Lauren Warkentine
Many people stop themselves from pursuing a passion because they don’t believe they’re the most talented or qualified. Lauren has pushed through that inner critic and inspires others to do the same.
What’s been the biggest obstacle in your life so far?
I have truly had a privileged life I can’t complain about. The largest struggle I have faced at this point was when I made the decision to leave a stable, accomplished career and take a leap to do something else. It was a family business so there was so much intertwined emotion to walking away from what I thought would be my legacy, people I had grown up with and cared for deeply for from team members to customers.
What makes you feel proud?
I do feel proud to see the results of that relentless pursuit. With my custom suit business, seeing people wearing your product and, more importantly, seeing how good they feel when they wear it, the emotional reactions that come with a piece of clothing, truly seeing my work empower people and increase their confidence—that makes me proud.
“They (my parents) always remind me to take the best care of the person in front of me, focusing on what is the right thing to do, not what is the most profitable thing to do.”
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
I could list a ton. I am lucky to be surrounded by people full of wisdom. Best business advice I think was from my parents. They always remind me to take the best care of the person in front of me, focusing on what is the right thing to do, not what is the most profitable thing to do. Personally, I think generally to be a sponge. I have taken that to heart in everything I do. Alway listening, learning and absorbing as much as I can from other people. Thinking through “being a sponge,” it has helped me take a posture of learning, attempting to be a student at all times even if I am in a “teacher” role.
lauren is one of 100 women we have featured in the inaugural issue of Hundred Magazine. To learn more about her and the other 99 women, buy the issue.
